arpar

Yeh exactly, since birth he's had a silver spoon, so he's never really struggled for anything. I was told a spoiler that he will face a big set back career wise, probably necessary for his development.

Yeh definitely they both lied, both were wrong, msg me in our message thread after you watch ep 13 and 14, interested to know what you think. Both very interesting episodes.

I agree, I hope Fang Lei doesn't take up too much time, even though I know she will. I also hope they don't introduce an annoying 2ml for FL. I don't mind someone chasing her to maybe make ML realize he could really loose her, but nothing annoying or scheming or anything. Just a good natured guy that when she rejects him, takes it and moves on.

It's funny cause if they were both honest from the start, they could have had a really good relationship. It's definitely true if he was honest, she probably would have helped him anyway. It's his dishonesty and controlling nature that is his undoing.

I think the only thing regarding the contract wife is he needed someone capable to help his career and with his goals and plans. FL proved herself smart, ambitious and capable. Difficult qualities to find.

100%, she said in an interview she has received many scripts but will not be acting in anything new any time soon. She's taking the time to recover her health, which is the right decision. Health first.

Quick translation for the first clip:
ML: There was really no need for you to resign, you're still more suited for your position at the news corporation, if you still need my help

FL: There's no need to, I'm doing quite alright at my new job

ML: In the future, I'll be transferring money to this card every month. This is for you

FL: There's no need to

ML: We were once a married couple. This is the most basic compensation, you deserve this

FL: I know I was biting off more than I could chew... initially, I lied, so no matter what predicament I land myself into, it's all something I have brought myself into... I just want to break free from everything that I've done wrong and start afresh...since we've gotten a divorce then let's return to being strangers

Hahaha yeh I think she will, he's had her on edge for ages, now it's his turn. She's not the type to not fight back.

Thank you, I appreciate it! Also really insightful comment from you, didn't think about it that way. Morally grey characters often reflect the viewers line. Crossing different lines, hitting different groups. Such an interesting thought but makes so much sense.

No idea on express yet, normally around 4-6 episodes so possible 26-32 or like you said 28-32.

She's bidding his money 😂pretty much getting back at him by outrageously bidding his own money for a random item they don't even want. Kind of saying, if you think I'm a gold digger, than I'll be one 😂

Btw I think it's important to note, ML is made specifically to be morally grey. So it's part of his character that some people will hate him/dislike him, while others will understand him and see things from his perspective. Thats why's he's morally grey, thats how he's written.

He's not written as a full on villain, if he was they wouldn't give him his sad backstory, controlling parents etc. But likewise, he's not fully good and at times he is unlikeable, but yet he doesn't seem all the way gone (at least to some people). Think of an anti-hero or vigilante, some people hate them, some love them, because they're morally grey.

So different thoughts and views on the ML is exactly what I believe the writer wanted and ML acts it out perfectly. Its great writing and great acting that many people here disagree on how they view on the ML, thats what makes him a great morally grey character. No need to apologize or feel bad that you don't hate the ML, and likewise, no need to feel bad that you do.

For me I'm truly on the fence. During the secrets stage, I hold them equally accountable. Both lied, both manipulated. Yes, FL had a more 'pure' reason, but still both lied and manipulated. For me, it's when the secrets came out, his persistence to continue the lie regardless of her thoughts, for me was not right, and crossing the line. Also, I extremely dislike Fang Lei, but is lack of conscience in how he dealt with her was scary for me. In my mind, putting business ahead of the well being of a person, whether FL or Fang Lei, is not right. But also I understand him, in part thanks to talking and trading thoughts with people on here. For me, it's not his actions, but his lack of remorse or guilt over this actions that worry me. FL feels remorse, does he? But I also understand that because he views FL as a 'gold digger', he doesn't feel the need to feel remorse for her. My thoughts are honestly constantly changing as I continue to watch and read different perspectives on here.

And also important distinction, understanding and liking is not the same thing. I think some people have said they understand and don't hate ML, that does not mean they liked him or condone what he's done.

Also important to note, it's ok for someone's thoughts on a character to change, thats called character development. My thoughts on ML have constantly been changing, not only watching the drama, but reading comments here, different perspectives, and thats something I love about MDL comments.

One thing I think we all agree on unanimously, is a divorce is needed for sure.

Hahaha so true, the outfits in our glamorous times was pretty funny, so much camo in like casual wear 😂

Hahaha great, sounds perfect, I'll give it a go when I get a bit of time, thank you!

Now you mention it, was a unique choice of color, but maybe he picked it to stand out or something, but true, good point

Yeh so true, thats a very good point, it's these ideas that have been taught to him and ingrained in him by his father and probably mother as well. He needs to get out from under them.

Yeh but the thing is by the time his dad dies, what type of man will he become under his influence. We haven't seen much but I get the feeling his dad is not a good guy, and being under his influence will harm ML.

Hahaha so from the sounds it's definitely worth reading. I might have to read it then, enjoying reading novels that are being adapting to cdramas lately. Read Mo li, speed and love, legend of the female general and coroners diary. So I might have to give this a go since your recommendation is so glowing.

They're on the wetv website. Preview for ep 17 and 18.

Oh ok, thanks for the info!

Yeh exactly, he was so eager to impress his father, and his father was happy the more lines and morally grey stuff he did. Just a bad influence on him.

Typical big ip problems, I only heard about Malicious empress because everyone was saying it was so good in the comments of LOTFG. Haven't heard about Ill-fated consort, so I'll remember that one now. The author is great so hopefully so will the adaptions.